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India plans outreach in 40 countries like UK, Japan and South Korea to boost textiles exports after the US imposed a 50 percent tariff.
PM Modi and US President Donald Trump (Reuters Image)
India is preparing dedicated outreach programmes in 40 countries, including the UK, Japan and South Korea, to promote textiles exports after the United States imposed a steep 50 per cent tariff on Indian products, an official said as per news agency PTI. Other key target markets include Germany, France, Italy, Spain, the Netherlands, Poland, Canada, Mexico, Russia, Belgium, Turkiye, the United Arab Emirates and Australia, as per the report.
“In each of these 40 markets, this is proposed to pursue a targeted approach, positioning itself as a reliable supplier of quality, sustainable, and innovative textile products with the lead role of the Indian industry, including EPCs and Indian Missions in these countries,” the official told PTI.
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India currently exports to more than 220 countries but the 40 nations identified “hold the real key to diversification”, the official noted. Together, they represent more than USD 590 billion in textile and apparel imports while India’s share remains only 5–6 per cent.
“Recognising this, the government is planning dedicated outreach programmes in each of these 40 countries, with a focus on both traditional markets and emerging markets,” the official added.
Impact Of US Tariff
The new US tariff, which came into effect on 27 August, is expected to hit Indian exports worth more than USD 48 billion. Sectors affected include textiles and clothing, gems and jewellery, shrimp, leather and footwear, animal products, chemicals and electrical and mechanical machinery.
In 2024–25, the overall size of India’s textiles and apparel sector was estimated at USD 179 billion, with a domestic market of USD 142 billion and exports of USD 37 billion. Globally, the import market for textiles and apparel was valued at USD 800.77 billion in 2024, where India, with a 4.1 per cent share, ranked sixth-largest exporter.
Diversification Strategy
The official told PTI that Export Promotion Councils (EPCs) would be “the backbone” of India’s strategy, carrying out market mapping, identifying high-demand products and linking production clusters such as Surat, Panipat, Tirupur and Bhadohi to new opportunities.
“FTAs and negotiations with several of these geographies will help make Indian exports competitive, and there is a huge potential for growth in these areas,” the official said.
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